WASHINGTON—A sold out Kennedy Center and Opera House welcomed Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company on Saturday, February 2. “It was spectacular,” said Jonathan Klein who enjoyed the matinee performance with his wife and children. Mr. Klein, President and Chief Legal Officer of Micro Strategy went on to say after watching Shen Yun he felt “more calm and relaxed.”
New York-based Shen Yun is comprised of three complete dance companies that travel the world bringing ancient Chinese culture to the stage through the performing arts; dance, music and song and this season will reach close to 100 cities in 20 countries.
Ancient myths and legends come alive with brilliant costumes, sophisticated choreography, digitally mastered backdrops, and Shen Yun’s orchestra.
Mrs. Klein felt the dance Sewing the Flowers of Heaven was brilliant. According to Chinese mythology, fei tian, or flying apsaras, are celestial maidens that appear as heralds of great tidings, according to Shen Yun’s program.
Shen Yun’s orchestra masterfully blends both Western and Eastern classical instruments including the erhu, pipa, and dizi resulting in a unique ethereal sound often leaving one in awe.
“The symphony was beautiful,” said Mrs. Klein.
Some dances tell a story from China’s divinely inspired culture dating back 5,000 years; breathing new life into heaven’s mystical realms, various ethnic regions and reigning dynasties.
Mrs. Klein “loved the costumes” and enjoyed “how the dance told a story” enabling her to learn about Chinese culture.
Ancient Chinese wisdom states that in order to convey true art, the performer must have inner beauty and a peaceful heart thereby touching the listener in sometimes profound and healing ways.
“I felt like my center was calmer and that it made me reflect on the life I’m leading … to pay more attention,” said Mrs. Klein.
“Oh definitely, (I) feel more calm, feel relaxed, and feel more centered and at peace,” said Mr. Klein after this afternoon’s performance.
Sharing how she felt about the dancing and the music Mrs. Klein said “it was fun to watch” and she “thought it was enlightening” and added, “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
The soprano “was great … powerful!” said Mrs. Klein.
“The fundamental characteristic of Shen Yun Performing Arts vocal soloists, is their use of bel canto vocal technique while singing Chinese lyrics,” the Shen Yun company’s website notes.
Mrs. Klein felt the lyrics were something that were “very telling and something we all need to think about. It’s a greater message.”
“She (the soprano) had to hit some very high notes with her powerful voice and she had great stage presence,” Said Mr. Klein.
2013 was the seventh year in which Shen Yun Performing Arts came to the nation’s capital. Saturday matinee and evening, and Sunday matinee were sold out.
With reporting by Maria Banks.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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